Design and analysis of low pass microstrip filters using MATLAB

A MATLAB-based CAD algorithm for analyzing stepped-impedance microstrip low-pass filters is reported. The algorithm uses a circuit theory approach based on ABCD parameters of the individual microstrip lines. The accuracy of the algorithm is verified for two widely-different practical examples, against data obtained using the ANSYS/ANSOFT circuit simulation tool and the HFSS simulation tool. The agreement among the three sets of data is found to be quite good. It is concluded that the use of MATLAB is a useful alternative for designing microstrip low-pass filters with stepped-impedance resonators.